State Design Review

The SDRP Terms of Reference can be found here.

Projects eligible for SDRP review include significant or strategic public works, infrastructure projects and other major government proposals or as identified in planning legislation.

The SDRP may consider requests from Ministers, the WAPC, the Heritage Council of Western Australia and other government agencies.

Statutory decision makers or government authorities may also refer significant private sector projects to be considered by the SDRP.

SDRP review can also be accessed through application pathways such as Part 11B and Part 17 of the Planning and Development Act 2005

The WAPC Chair under the advice of the Government Architect will determine which projects are accepted for review.

• State or regional significance: the project is of significance to the State or a particular region.
• Location: the project is situated in an area that has particular importance and/or sensitivity, whether this is historic, environmental or relating to a particular character or use.
• Prominence: the project is situated on a prominent site, with high levels of public visibility and/or political sensitivity.
• Complexity: there are complex challenges to overcome that require a sophisticated design response.
• Precedence: the project establishes a precedent for a type of development within an area.

A request for SDRP review can be made by completing the Design Review Request Form

Design Review is an independent evaluation of design quality of development proposals and built form planning instruments.

Design Review is undertaken by a panel of appropriately trained, multi-disciplinary built environment professionals.

Design review in Western Australia supports the implementation of State Planning Policy 7.0: Design of the Built Environment (SPP 7.0) and other related policies that deal with built environment design quality.

Design review benefits development proposals by providing informed opinion and guidance on the interpretation and application of design elements and principles, which can be particularly helpful for unique or complex development proposals.

For design review to be effective, it should be:

• Independent
• Expert
• Multi-disciplinary
• Accountable
• Transparent
• Proportionate
• Timely
• Advisory
• Objective
• Accessible
• Consistent

More information about design review is available in the State Design Review Panel Manual.

Design review should begin well before a development application is submitted.

It is strongly recommended the initial design review occurs as early in the design process as possible (i.e. during the concept design stage) to ensure the proponent can apply the advice offered at a stage where the design is flexible enough to incorporate change without impacting on time and cost constraints.

Early design review offers the opportunity to increase the value and quality of a design proposal before the cost of changes outweighs the benefits gained. A well-run design review process that promotes early design review can improve the design quality of built outcomes and reduce project costs. It also helps identify risks early; provide support for design concepts prior to investment in detailed design; and expedite development application approvals.

For the community

Design review offers independent expert advice to help ensure new developments benefit the community. It helps create well-designed spaces that provide a positive contribution to the public realm and the surrounding context, build public confidence in urban infill development and support vibrant neighbourhood centres.

For local governments

Design review enables local government to ensure that developers and design teams prioritise design quality and are encouraged to produce high-quality built form and public spaces that meet local objectives and are of benefit to their communities. Design review helps local government recognise outstanding and innovative design, and gives them a practical means of understanding where improvements need to be made.

For design teams

A design review can confirm the validity of design approaches early, before detailed design occurs. The team can receive constructive, independent advice including recommendations for change early in the project, when it is most likely to be useful and more easily implemented – that is, before too many project variables are set. The project team can also receive support for good design and innovative proposals.

For developers

Design review gives developers access to independent expert feedback, helping improve design quality early—when changes are easier and less costly. It can reduce planning delays, lower risks, and boost confidence in pursuing innovative ideas. With clearer guidance, teams are better equipped to deliver successful, community-focused projects.

For Decision Makers

Decision makers (within State government agencies, Development Assessment Panels and others) can benefit from design review by gaining expert, independent advice on the design quality of a proposal. It supports the recognition of outstanding design, guides the fair use of discretion, and strengthens confidence in rejecting poor-quality developments ensuring projects enhance the character, quality, and function of local areas.